DuClaw Brewing
Belair, MD
Grade: 9.25
According to the press release, Celebrate Halloween with the latest brew straight from Jim Wagner's cauldron: 31, our special Spiced Munich Dunkel. This German-style amber lager tricks you with its smooth, malty taste and moderate 5.1% abv, then treats your palate with a spicy finish of cinnamon and nutmeg. 31 goes on tap October 31st (all day) and will be available for a limited time — while supplies last. So get to your nearest DuClaw on Halloween night and sample a beer so good it's scary! Costumes are optional ... but encouraged.
So...I have a great job. The pay isn't great, but I go to beer festivals and microbreweries, and brew pubs. It's what I get paid to do.
As such, I get to meet some great people throughout the state - homebrewers, brewmasters, bar tenders, brewery CEO's, sales, marketing, and production line people. It's a job that allows me to sit and chat with these people over some good beer and good food.
Some of my favorites - as much for their beer as it is for their company - are the guys at DuClaw. Brewers Jim Wagner and Bo Lenck do some fine work. Sure, I'm not thrilled by their Raspberry Chocolate Stout, but I've never been thrilled by raspberry beers. My wife, on the other hand, loves it. Really just a matter of taste.
Now, the 31 I noted above, I drove an hour to sample this, and it was well worth the ride (my wife says that the stout is as well - so if that's your cup of tea, make the trip).
The 31 was an imminently drinkable Dunkel with a nice aroma, pours well and has beautiful color. The spices were subtle without being understated, or overwhelming. I highly recommend this beer.
Coming soon: reviews of Sam Adams Imperial Pilsner, Flying Dog's Gonzo Imperial Porter and their Kerberos Tripel, as well as DuClaw Devil's Milk.
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